About Low Vision

There are many people who have a vision loss that is not correctable with typical eyeglasses or contact lenses. They've lost some vision and are unable to see well enough to participate in activities that are important to them. We say that these people have low vision. Eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt's disease and glaucoma, among others, are common causes of low vision.
For many years there have been optometrists who help low vision patients see better so they can return to a more normal life. Special telescopic or microscopic glasses are often prescribed which help the person return to reading, driving, using a computer, participating in hobbies or crafts. Some people are able to return to work.
Most of these people have been told by their eye doctors that nothing can be done to help them. It is true that there is no cure for these diseases and the vision will not return to normal. The job of the low vision optometrist is to evaluate the person's remaining vision and prescribe appropriate glasses or other devices which magnify what is seen, making it easier to see.

Free Telephone Consultation
My practice is totally dedicated to helping low vision patients. That is all that I do. I always speak with patients before scheduling a low vision evaluation. That helps me understand how much remaining vision they have and what their goals are. I also answer questions and give the person an idea of what to expect from the evaluation and from the special glasses. I only schedule people who I can help.
Call me for a free telephone consultation. I will be happy to speak with you and I will tell you if I can help you see better. Call toll free 1 866 321-2030
I see low vision patients in offices in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Wytheville, VA.

More information at VirginiaLowVision.com and facebook.com/VirginiaLowVisionOptometrist


Monday, December 1, 2014

Driving With Stargardt's Disease

A patient with Stargardt's Disease returned to me after using his bioptic telescopic glasses for over 5 years.  Blake White was able to obtain his drivers permit when he got the telescopic glasses.  He has been driving safely with them.  Blake returned for re evaluation as required by the DMV.  Blake and I were both pleased to find that heis still eligible to drive while wearing the special glasses.

Blake told me an interesting story.  He has been seen by another low vision doctor who is a state examiner in West Virginia.  That doctor prescribed a very small telescope, for his right eye only even though Blake's vision is almost equal in both eyes.  Blake has been unable to wear them and prefers the wide angle telescopes that I prescribed.  He misses the left telescope and also the wide view of the pair that I prescribed.  He drives a lot and only uses the wide angle pair.

Years ago when I was a state examiner here in Virginia I realized that the devices available through the state were not always best for the patient.  I gave up serving as a low vision examiner for the State of Virginia years ago.  Since then I am able to prescribe what is most helpful for the patient, not just what the state will pay for.

Here is the point.  If you have had a low vision evaluation and are not happy with the devices prescribed it may be helpful to see another doctor.  Someone with a different perspective. A doctor who is not limited by the state may be able to help you.  I invite you to give me a call.  Let's talk it over.  I will tell you on the phone if I will be able to help you.  Call me toll free at 866 321-2030 For more information on help for low vision go to www.VirginiaLowVision.com #stargardtsdisease#bioptictelescopes
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